Remembering Wally Wilsey

Posted on May 17, 2019

City of Lakes Rotary Club expresses its condolences to the family of former member Wally Wilsey on his passing and fondly remembers his friendship and service. Wally was a key member of our International Service Committee (ISC) for many years and was a fearless advocate for clean water projects in Central America. He also advocated for food security through his volunteer work with Compatible Technologies Inc. (CTI), a company that made grinders to simplify food preparation in places without access to electricity. The ISC gladly funded many of his projects. Lots of people all over the world who don't know Wally benefited considerably from his work providing food and filtered, clean drinking water.

Wallace Cook Wilsey, age 87, died May 11, 2019. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; graduated from South Side High School, Rockville Centre, NY; received a BA from the College of William & Mary, Virginia; and a Masters degree from the Graduate School of Business - Columbia University, NY. He served 2 years as an Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army. Wally had a long and successful business career starting with Arthur D. Little, Boston and Brussels-Belgium; General Mills, Minneapolis and Central America; and most recently as Managing Partner of Red Oak Management; former member of COL Rotary; member of Christian Science Church. He is survived by his partner and spouse of 25 years, Donna Buchholtz; sons Andre and Peter; daughter Anne Case [Greg]; sister-in-law Carol Fassett; nephew James Fassett; niece Desta Long; step-son Brian English; special friend Bernice; special nephew Nuru Ba'th; special niece Ayisha Buari; nephew Don; nieces Betty and Carolyn; grandchildren Alexandra, Kelsey, Sonja, Lauren, Nicholas and Bennett; step-grandsons Nathan and Jacob. Wally will be remembered for his love of reading, gardening, painting, ballroom dancing and his very positive, optimistic outlook on life. A true gentleman. A private family-only service will be held at a later date.